PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Former state Sen. Tom Coderre is leaving his current post as chief of staff to Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed for a post in the Obama Administration.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Former state Sen. Tom Coderre is leaving his current post as chief of staff to Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed for a post in the Obama Administration.

Paiva Weed announced Coderre’s move “with extreme pride’’ in an email to colleagues that said: “Tom has been appointed senior advisor for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).’’

The email described SAMHSA as the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services “that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.’’

“Tom will work on a variety of policy issues for SAMHSA and the Administrator, including but not limited to substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery programs, and policy,’’ she said.

The Senate president’s email continues: “Well known in the addiction recovery community, Tom served as the board chair for Rhode Island Communities for Addiction Recovery Efforts (RICARES) and he is the former National Field Director of Faces & Voices of Recovery, based in Washington, D.C.

“As you know, Tom is a passionate advocate and committed public servant who will no doubt be a tremendous asset to SAMSHA,’’ she said.

Coderre has been the Senate President’s chief of staff since 2009. Paiva Weed said deputy chiefs of staff Marie Ganim and Kristen Silvia will take on his duties “until I name a successor.